Red Bull stay committed to Sauber Petronas for '03

Red Bull stay
By Phil Huff
February 2 2003

Red Bull has announced that it is to continue its sponsorship of the Sauber Petronas Formula One team in 2003, putting its name to the side of the new C22.

In recent weeks there has been talk of Red Bull's owner Dieter Mateschitz seeking to buy his own F1 team with one of the prime candidates being Jordan, with even Sauber Speak running a story to that effect.

What is of particular interest is that Red Bull though continuing with Sauber, is only committing itself to a one-year contract.

The press release, issued at 13:48 on Saturday February 1, reads as follows:

"The Austrian energy drink company Red Bull and Team Sauber Petronas remain partners; they have extended their contract by one year. The Red Bull presence on the car will be the same as in the 2002 season.

Peter Sauber says "Together with all team members I'm delighted that our partnership with Red Bull will go into its ninth year. During this long period, Red Bull has been a fundamental support for the team and has thus contributed to our success. Our main sponsors Petronas, Credit Suisse and Red Bull form a solid basis for a successful future of the team."